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Crime & Safety

Breaking: Sonoma State Student From Walnut Creek Reported Missing

James Abriel, last seen on campus before spring break, was reported missing April 25. He reportedly left suicide notes.

Police are looking for a missing Sonoma State University student who apparently wrote several suicide notes 11 days before he was reported missing, according to the Walnut Creek Police Department and Sonoma State University Police and Parking Services.

James Abriel, 19, was reported missing to Walnut Creek police by his parents on April 25, according to the department. He was last seen in Walnut Creek on April 21, and on campus April 14, just before spring break, police said.

Police said they discovered several suicide notes April 25 detailing a recent break-up, with the notes dated April 14. Police also believe Abriel is carrying a 40 caliber Sig Sauer handgun that was taken from a Walnut Creek residence.

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It is unclear at this point if the notes were found in a dorm room or another residence.

Police have not released information about the Walnut Creek connection, what Abriel was doing in Walnut Creek or where the student is from, but friends have confirmed that he is from the Bay Area.

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Taylor Dickinson, a friend of Abriel's, said he seemed fine before he left.

"He was just typical, normal James," Dickinson said. "I'm really concerned, and I didn't know how to react." 

"I knew that they had broken up before, but he said it was for the best," said Dickinson, who also noted that he had accepted a Facebook friend request on April 25.

According to Susan Kashack, a Sonoma State spokesperson, Walnut Creek police have contacted the university to check if Abriel has been attending classes and was living in the residential halls.

Abriel's parents came to campus this week to search for clues to his whereabouts. 

“His friends told them some of his favorite places to hang out and they are pursuing those locations now,” Kashack said.

"His parents still have faith," Dickinson said. "They've posted on his Facebook, just asking anyone to call them if they know anything."

Anyone with any information regarding Abriel's disappearance or current location are urged to call 911 or the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-935-6400, case number 11-13034.

Stay tuned to Rohnert Park Patch for updates.

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